Best Foot Forward held its annual Sole Mates Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton. The event drew supporters, community leaders and program alumni who gathered to help children in foster care and students facing family challenges.
Co-founders Donna Biase and Debbie Ellman spoke about the organization’s work. Ellman said the group also gives students birthday celebrations, holiday activities, school supplies and college acceptance celebrations, which she described as the “icing” on academic support. She said difficult childhoods do not decide a young person’s future.
Performer and former NFL player Jon Dorenbos spoke about his own childhood trauma, time in foster care and forgiveness. He urged attendees to keep going through hard times.
The program also told the story of Cassie, a former participant who raised her grade-point average from 3.1 to 3.8. She later earned a communication studies degree from Florida Atlantic University and now works as a senior talent acquisition manager at The Boca Raton. Through her employer, she helped secure a $25,000 grant for the organization.
Judith Finkel, the 2024 Anchor Award recipient, described how the group helped her when she became the caregiver for her five grandchildren. The luncheon also included a “Bid From The Heart” segment, where guests gave at different levels to support students’ academic and personal needs.
